Part Four of “The World Beyond the Church?

In his book, Evangelism as a Lifestyle, Jim Petersen observes that Christian evangelists are: “given to extremes. Either we say nothing and an opportunity slip past us, or we say too much and drive people away.” (110)  I want to add a third communication problem: In our discussions with non-Christians, we often use words and phrases that are understandable to Christians but confusing to unbelievers.  For example: “born again,”  “led by the Spirit,” “bind Satan,” “living sacrifice,” “God spoke to me,” “rapture,” and others, which I mention below.

These expressions clearly communicate the particulars of our faith, but we can’t expect non-Christians to understand what they mean—unless we take the time to explain them or translate them into everyday language. In fact some of the words and phrases we employ convey to unbelievers entirely different meanings than what Christians intend.

Below are common Christian words and phrases that have specific meanings to Christians but may sound strange and ambiguous to non-Christians. In the parentheses following each word or phrase, I suggest alternative words, synonyms, phrases, or definitions that carry the same meanings but will be more understandable to non-Christians. The list is not exhaustive, and you should add to it yourself:

• “Believer” (Christian)
• “Fellowship” (Getting together with other Christians)
• “Faith” (Trusting God).
• “Spiritual warfare” (Our struggles against sinful thoughts and temptations).
• “Praise music” (Worshiping God through song).
• “Judged” (How God deals fairly with unbelievers).
• “Saved” (From what? Explain).
• “Hell” (Eternal separation from God. Explain).
• “Bind Satan” (Praying to God to protect us from the evil forces in the world).
• “God spoke to me” (Explain how).
• “Indwelt by the Holy Spirit” (God’s Spirit living in the hearts of Christians, empowering them for ministry and to resist sin).
• “Baptized by the Holy spirit” (When we first believe, the Spirit of God empowers Christians to resist sin and to serve Him).
• “Holy Ghost” (Too many ghost stories in the movies today; use Holy Spirit or Spirit of God, depending on context of discussion).
• “Father” (“God” since most unbelievers are unfamiliar with the Trinity).
• “Son of God” (Use “Jesus” since most unbelievers are familiar with His name but not His position in the Trinity).
• “Gifts” (The strengths and talents God gives us to serve Him in particular ways).
• “Rapture” (Christians alive when Jesus returns are taken directly to heaven without physical death).
• “Born again” (When someone becomes a Christian by receiving Jesus as  personal Lord and Savior, Jesus takes charge of their lives and they receive a new, eternal nature that is empowered by God to obedience and faith).
• “Resurrection” (Unbelievers need to understand they will receive physical bodies, not just spiritual, ghostly bodies. Be sure they don’t confuse resurrection with reincarnation).

When you talk to non-Christians, if you use theological terms such as “atonement,” “justification,” “reconciliation,” “redemption,” “sanctification,” “transformation,” “Trinity,” and so on, explain what they mean. Being careful about the words and phrases you use can make communication more effective and aid you in evangelistic and apologetic discussions. ©